Preaching and Evangelism

Abstract

In the New Testament any follower of the Way could preach, de­clare good news. Luke reports that Jesus said to someone, “Follow me.” But the man wanted first to bury his father. Then Jesus said, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and pro­claim the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:59, 60). Jesus sent the disciples out on a preaching and healing mission (Matthew 10:5; Mark 6:7) and also the seventy. The Gadarene demoniac is told, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). The disciples are charged with preaching the Gospel to the whole world (Matthew 16:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47, 48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8). Per­secuted believers are scattered “and went around preaching the word” (Acts 8:4; cf. 15:35). In order that the Apostels can devote themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” seven men are chosen to administer the daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1—6). But at least two of these men turn out to be preachers also (Acts 7 and 8:5). The Thessalonian believers “sounded forth” the word of the Lord everywhere (Thessalonians 1:8). All this is summarized in the familiar words of 1 Peter 1:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may de­clare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”